Mabuhay and Hafa Adai!
Bataan, province of the Philippines, has been always a home to many radiant-smiling Filipino faces. In spite of history’s darkest times that once staged the final stand of American and Filipino soldiers together before they were overwhelmed by Japanese forces during the World War II.
Bataan fell to the ground and on its knees by which death came to many Filipino families and friends as being the casualties of war. The natives learned to be a foster family to everybody and friends to everyone as they supported each other, side by side and as brothers in sisters.
Guam became a new home for many Filipinos after World War II, especially our countrymen who came from Bataan province. History is too painful to remember for some Filipinos who had left their homes; for some they just wanted to forget everything. But there are those who knew the importance of both history and pain and to them, it should not happen again.
Bataan Association of Guam
The Birth of Bataan Association of Guam marks the same as to what happened on the 9th of April 1942. The people who founded the organization are the remnants of our own history and the true colors of the Filipino. Strong, united, hospitable, simple, and free-spirited people–that is what they truly are.
Bataan Association of Guam is a non-profit, civic organization established to foster unity among Bataan people who have made Guam their home away from home. The group provides support and assistance to its members in times of their greatest needs through noble ways without asking anything in return.
Mr. Wilner A. Dizon (outgoing president of B.A.O.G.) together with the members have contributed countless effort to the betterment of the island of Guam by furthering advancements in education, healthcare, and in the development of infrastructure. They have donated time, effort, and money to civic endeavors, philanthropic organizations, and provides scholarships to students.
They continuously promote activities and events that facilitate the interaction of various ethnicities to foster understanding and camaraderie to everyone.
Bataan Association of Guam officers and members welcoming Bataan Board Member at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport, Sept. 26
12 Years of Excellence and the Celebration of 73rd year of ‘Araw ng Kagitingan’
The Philippine Consul General to Guam Marciano R. de Borja met with the members of Bataan Association of Guam last April 4, 2015 for the soft induction ceremony of its new set of officers and Board of Directors for the year 2015-2016 at the Sampaguita Pavillion, Ypao Beach Park, Guam.
The ceremony is also a part of the celebration of the 73rd year anniversary of ‘Araw ng Kagitingan’ or Day of Valor memorial every 9th of April which is also the same day that Bataan fell on the hands of the Japanese conquerors in 1942.
Consul General de Borja expressed his warm congratulations to the new officers and thanked them for their support to the programs and projects of the Philippine Consulate General in Guam. He also encouraged the Bataan Association of Guam to continue its partnership with the Philippine Consulate General.
Presenting the New Set Of Officers And Board Of Directors
Officers: President: Angelina O. Cruz, Vice President: Rizany Cruz, Secretary: Loreto Dizon, Asst. Secretary: Leah Saldana, Treasurer: Carmencita Cortez, Asst. Treasurer: Dolor dela Cruz, Auditor: Leticia Cunanan, P.R.O.: Jay-R S. Dominguez, Peace Officers: Rey Malixi and Randy Santos
Board of Directors: Tessie Marcos, Jhun Lipar, Deliminado Cortez and Nolex Dising
Advisers: Armando Rodriguez Manny Cunanan, Jay-R S. Dominguez, Arsenio Santiago and Wilner Dizon
The officers and board of directors had their induction on September 26 at the Chamorro Ballroom of the Pacific Start Hotel, with Hon. Aristotle J. Gaza (Board Member, First District of Bataan) as their Guest Speaker.
Parting Words: It is not Goodbye but More Hello to Bataan Association of Guam
Bataan has a special place in the Philippine and American history for they have stood and fought together. Filipinos through Bataan Association of Guam have proven their patriotism once more even if they are thousands of miles away from the historic province—far from home.
Bataan Association of Guam had cultivated an environment of warm Filipino hospitality and support by bringing the strand of their hometown to their new home on Guam. They swore to continue their mission by empowering their members to serve as an inspiration to others.
The Guam community is thankful for your endless efforts, love, and continuous support in the community building activities and may this attributes be pass on to the young and new generations to come.
Mabuhay po kayo Bataan Association of Guam and may GOD bless you all and your families.
